Teachers under a new stigma: "Enemies of the state" and "blockaders"

Teachers have found themselves under a new kind of social stigma during the past two years, because they power and a part of the public is increasingly often presented as "enemies of the state", "blockaders" and actors who allegedly encourage anarchy in schools, assessed Ana Dimitrijević, president of the Forum of Belgrade High Schools.

Speaking for FoNet, Dimitrijević said that the attitude towards educators has changed significantly after work stoppages, blockades and boycotts of classes. According to her, the pressure today comes primarily from the authorities and Ministry of Education, which can be seen in the way teachers are presented in the media.

"Earlier, when you told someone that you work in a school, people would ask you pathetically how you can do that job. Today, that stigma comes more from the Ministry of Education and from the authorities," said Dimitrijević, stating that teachers now present themselves as those who "support anarchy in schools" and want "bread without a hoe."

She believes that during the protests and work stoppages, a particularly strong cooperation between teachers, students and parents was established, which is why there are now attempts to weaken that connection.

"That bond between parents, teachers and students is priceless. Now someone is trying to break that, because we are so strong, there are many of us," said Dimitrijević.

Photo: FoNet

An additional problem is the long-term collapse of the social and material position of educators.

Dimitrijević states that the starting salary of a teacher without allowances is currently no higher than about 110.000 dinars, while a teacher with approximately three decades of experience, the title of pedagogical advisor and class teacher can earn about 140.000 dinars.

That's why, as he says, many teachers, in addition to working at school, also have additional jobs, most often private lessons or engagements related to their profession.

"We actually work two jobs all our lives so that we can earn some decent income and not worry about whether we can go on vacation or pay off the loan," said Dimitrijević.

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